GET YOUR KIDS TO LISTEN

How can I get my children to listen and do as they are told?
This is one of most common questions I get asked. There are quite a few things you can do about this problem, here is one really simple tip, that can make such a difference. In fact one Dad I worked with started using it and when I asked how he had got on he said it had been 'A game changer.'
No issuing orders from a different room
​I used to call my son for his tea from the bottom of the stairs, which made it all too easy for him to pretend not to hear me, or just shout back that he was coming ‘in a minute.’
To avoid having to give the same instructions more than once, and to increase the likelihood that your child will comply, try this:
​Be in the same room. Use your child’s name, be clear, tell your child what to stop doing and what to start doing, describe the behaviour you want: 

‘Turn the TV off now, go and put your pyjamas on.’ Give a reason: ‘It’s time for bed.’ Give time for your child to comply, wait five seconds, stay quiet. Stay in the room. If your child does not comply, if you can do so, give them a choice,
Keep it friendly: ‘I can turn it off or you can, which would you prefer.’ Praise your child when they do comply. Don't be tempted to dilute that praise by saying 'Why can't you always do that' or words to that effect. If you do, you will be turning praise into criticism.